We should always be mindful of the dangers of drinking and driving but even more so this time of year when many come together to celebrate the season. To make our roads safer, Maryland has recently made some important updates to its DUI/DWI laws, altering what is known as “Noah’s Law.” Noah’s Law was first created in honor of Noah Leotta, a police officer who tragically lost his life to a drunk driver.  These changes aim to close a loophole that gave people charged with DUI the choice to either have Ignition Interlock devices installed in their vehicles or have restrictions placed on their license limiting the instances and hours when they were permitted to drive. 

Noah’s Law now requires first-time DWI/DUI offenders to use an ignition interlock device for a period of six-months if they are granted probation before judgment. An ignition interlock device is a breathalyzer that is connected to a car’s ignition. It prevents the car from starting if alcohol is detected after the driver breathes into the device. Research shows that these devices can reduce repeat drunk driving offenses by about 70%.  This change is extremely important because, in 2023, more than half of the 10,000 plus  DUI offenders in Maryland were given probation before judgment.